Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland. Prostatitis is a general term for inflammation of the prostate. Prostatitis can appear in several forms.

The acute form is the least common, but is also the most severe and may require hospitalization. Acute prostatitis is caused by bacteria and may be accompanied by chills and fever.

Chronic prostatitis tend to develop more slowly and aren’t as severe as those of acute prostatitis. Chronic prostatitis is also caused by bacteria and is associated with chronic urinary infection.

Another form is nonbacterial prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate without any evidence of infection present. The cause of nonbacterial prostatitis is unknown.

Diagnosis of Prostatitis
A digital rectal exam (DRE) is used to determine if the prostate gland is tender or swollen. A DRE is an exam in which a specialist inserts a gloved, lubricated finger in the rectum to feel the back of the prostate gland through the rectal wall.

A three-part urinalysis is the standard diagnostic tool whereby two urine samples are collected and analyzed, followed by prostate massage and a third urine sample that contains prostatic fluid.

Treatment of prostatitis
The treatment is different for the several forms of prostatitis. The correct diagnosis is therefore very important.

Acute infectious prostatitis is routinely treated with antibiotics. Almost all acute infections can be cured with this treatment. Other additional medicines will relieve pain and discomfort and. Sometimes hospitalization may also be required.

Chronic infectious prostatitis is also treated with antibiotics. About 60 percent of all cases of chronic infectious prostatitis clear up with this treatment. For some cases that do not respond to long-term, low-dose antimicrobial therapy, surgical removal of the infected portions of the prostate may be advised.

Nonbacterial prostatitis is treated with antimicrobial medication.